Adopted project

Ed Evans looks in on the rebuild of an early Series I. It’s a great opportunity to understand the classic engineering on this forerunner of all Land Rovers

The first part of our new Series I rebuild

THIS is going to be an unusual rebuild project right from the off, because the subject vehicle is not the typical barn find, rather it’s more of a smart clean kit of parts that looks like it’s ready to assemble. Of course, we all know better than that, including Britpart’s Paul Myers who bought this lovely 1949 Series I as his personal project. All the messy work of dismantling and cleaning the major components had been done by the previous owner prior to restoring the chassis and working on the body and axles. But real life gets in the way of so many of these projects and, when it happened in this case, the main parts were loosely re-assembled and the machine was

put up for sale.

But that ground work doesn’t make this an easy project. There’s still the fun, and sometimes exasperation, of sourcing missing or worn parts, working out how it all goes together, slowly building it up, sharing the knowledge, and always learning so much. That’s what we’ll be doing here in LRM – not so much showing how it’s being restored and rebuilt, but exploring the vehicle and looking at the parts and seeing how they work. It’s a good chance to experience the usually hidden parts of a SI – and there’s some lovely antique engineering to examine.

The work done by the previous owner is to a high standard, and there’s no reason why the finished vehicle won’t look just as good, or even better, than when it rolled off the production line in September 1949. As a 1950 model year vehicle, it was supplied to Henlys, the well-known London motor dealer, and later spent most of its life in Cornwall and Devon.

Originality

PAUL plans to build the vehicle to original specification using the original parts where practical, plus new parts where necessary. While original body and chassis paint colours are well known, achieving an authentic finish on other components presents challenges, as Paul explains: ‘‘The hardest thing is working out originality; the colour is easy, but should it be matt or gloss? All the period photos are in black and white.”

The rear draw bar (also known as a tow plate, tractor plate or fishplate) welded onto on the chassis rear crossmember indicates the vehicle’s early vintage, later models having bolted plates. This plate has ten holes (bolted plates had eight) across its width to which agricultural equipment (of the type previously hauled by horses) could be attached in a variety of off-centre positions. They could be driven by the vehicle’s power take-off (PTO) on the back of the transfer box. Another visual hallmark of the earliest vehicles is the headlamp position, partly hidden behind the wide front grille.

It’s easy to confirm the originality of many individual parts such as the radiator, fuse box, wiper motor, choke switch and each of the wheels, all of which are datestamped as being produced between May and September 1949, ready to be drawn from stock when the vehicle was assembled.

The original 1600cc engine was replaced long ago with a later 1997cc petrol unit of 1951 or 1952 vintage whose condition is largely unknown, and so it’s lined up for a full rebuild. These early engines are interesting not only in the way they are designed and work, but also in the unexpected links that can be traced through to the Series III 2.25-litre engine.

Classic details

Hinge design allows the doors to fold forward against the front wing – rubber buffer protects the paintwork. The hole in the bulkhead top is for the front sidelight.

Early arrangement of headlamps behind the wider grille was discontinued during 1950. Many were modified to later spec, but this is an important original feature to preserve.

Dismantling under way

The screen is off and will be re-used. Rear tub and bulkhead are original but need work. Doors and wing tops are new from Wadsworth Panels.

Work done so far

PRIOR to Paul acquiring the Series I, the vehicle had been fully stripped down and the chassis restored with new metal welded in where needed before re-painting. The chassis was primed with Buzzweld RCP rust control paint followed by two coats of Bonda Rust Primer. Two top coats of Tractol deep bronze green completed the paint system, but this gloss finish was then toned down with a coat of satin varnish to produce a period appearance. Internally, the chassis has been protected with Bilt Hamber S-50 anti-corrosion wax. It’s claimed this treatment is self-healing, moisture displacing and will deal with any existing corrosion.

Character retention

The good thickness of a Series I chassis has allowed this pitting in the crossmember to be preserved under the paint finish, hinting at its long years of service.

Thorough treatment

After five protective paint layers, the final topcoat here is flatted between applications, prior to treating with satin varnish to produce a period appearance.

Early hallmark

This rear draw bar (its drillings resembling a fishplate) was factory welded to the chassis on early vehicles, forming the so-called fishplate chassis.

Rolling rear

Rebuilt and repainted long-nose rear axle was delivered ready mounted to the chassis with new springs and dampers. Brake lines and leather axle straps added later.

Front axle

The front axle was removed for dismantling, cleaning and appraisal.

Chasing perfection

THE bodywork, temporarily mounted on the axles for transportation, is complete with some original and some new parts. The bonnet top is looking very original and the aluminium front panel has survived intact and has cleaned up well. The main sections of rear body tub and bulkhead (showing early repairs) are original, though needing work. The left side front wing is not original to this vehicle, but is a very good used panel. The right side front wing is a new part, as are the doors, wing tops and tail board, all manufactured by Wadsworth Panels In Halifax, Yorkshire and run by Keith Wadsworth.

Axle casing rebuilt

The front axle halfshafts, swivels and bearings are now rebuilt with new parts and painted. Pitting seen here on plain section of shaft is not a concern.

Incoming parts

New and ‘old stock’ parts have been sourced with help from Phil Bashall and John Craddock. Body cappings here will be removed and galvanised prior to painting the body.

NEXT time: In the second instalment we’ll catch up with this fast-moving rebuild as the painted body is re-assembled to produce a basic rolling vehicle before adding mechanical and electrical components.